PGW, regulators reach deal over fatal 2011 blast

PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Philadelphia Gas Works would pay $500,000 in penalties under a proposed settlement with regulators over a house explosion that killed one utility worker and injured five others.

The settlement agreement between PGW and the state Public Utility Commission would also require the gas company to improving operating procedures. The Philadelphia Inquirer (http://bit.ly/RYaLzD ) reports Wednesday's settlement agreement would not require PGW to admit any wrongdoing.

The January 2011 explosion happened while an employee with less than a year of experience tried to vent a gas leak in the basement of a home in the Tacony neighborhood. The gas was ignited by an electric pilot light, destroying the house and shattering windows blocks away.

The settlement still needs to be approved by an administrative judge and the PUC's administrators.